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Fairfax County Public Schools families are approaching a packed end-of-year stretch that includes a School Board budget vote, unpaid meal balances, graduation preparations, summer program deadlines and several school closures.
The School Board will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 21, with a vote on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget on its agenda. Families can review the full agenda and find options for watching or participating through the School Board’s meeting resources.
Families should also check their students’ MySchoolBucks accounts and pay any remaining school meal balances before the academic year ends.
Households earning less than 185% of the federal poverty level may qualify for free and reduced-price meals, but they must apply each school year. Families with current balances who believe they qualify can still submit an application for the 2025-26 school year. Applications for 2026-27 will become available this summer.
Student achievements earn national attention
Nine FCPS students received awards at the International Science and Engineering Fair held in Phoenix during the previous week.
At the 2026 Virginia Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference, 26 FCPS students earned first-place awards. More than 90 placed among the top four in their events, qualifying them for the national conference in San Antonio in June.
FCPS also received two nominations for the 68th Capital Emmy Awards. The nominated videos are “Girls Flag Football: Be a Trailblazer — Get in the Game!” and “Touching History.”
College and financial-aid help remains available
The National Association for College Admission Counseling has published its annual College Openings Update, listing member colleges and universities still accepting first-year and transfer applications for fall 2026.
The list, which is updated daily, can be filtered by state and indicates whether participating schools still have financial aid or student housing available.
NACAC also offers an enrollment-deposit waiver request form that some institutions will consider for students facing significant financial hardship. Students can seek guidance from their school counselor or college and career specialist.
Those who need help applying for federal or state financial aid can schedule a free appointment with College Access Fairfax by emailing [email protected].
Mental-health services offered to students and families
FCPS high school students can receive virtual therapy at no cost for concerns including anxiety, grief, changes in mood or behavior, motivation, bullying, social skills, family or peer relationships and academic pressure.
A guardian or designated school staff member may refer a student. Families can call 571-749-2940 or contact an FCPS counselor, social worker, psychologist or director of Student Services.
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board also provides youth services including individual and family counseling, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery support and intensive care. Families can reach Entry and Referral at 703-383-8500 or [email protected].
Outside school hours, students and parents can call or text 988 for free, confidential assistance from trained crisis counselors. The service is available for mental-health and substance-use crises, not only suicidal thoughts. Recent reports cited by FCPS indicate an 11% decline in youth suicides since 988 was introduced. Emergencies should be directed to 911.
Students look back while preparing for the future
Centreville High School senior Alexa Ralston, who also attends Chantilly Academy, returned to Union Mill Elementary School for an internship through the FCPS Teachers for Tomorrow program.
Ralston chose to work with Sara Kennedy, the special education teacher who taught her from fourth through sixth grade. The program gives high school students practical experience in education.
Mount Vernon High School senior Audrey Ortiz-Peterson will graduate in June before attending the United States Military Academy at West Point. A military-connected student who joined FCPS in ninth grade, she attended eight schools during her K-12 education.
Families, students and employees may share graduation and promotion ceremony photos on Facebook or Instagram by tagging FCPS and their school and using the hashtag #FCPSgrad26.
The FCPS Alumni Network, sponsored by Educate Fairfax, is also recruiting alumni, teachers, families, caregivers and other community members. The network shares stories, events, reunions and homecoming information. Questions about planning an alumni event can be sent to [email protected].
Summer events and registration deadlines approach
FCPS will hold its free Summer Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Woodson High School.
The family event will feature hands-on STEM and arts activities, summer learning resources, community partners, a petting zoo and a student engagement zone. Adults and students in eighth grade or above can volunteer to assist with registration, refreshments and activities.
Registration for FCPS summer camps and learning programs also closes Friday, June 6. Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts programs will run in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with bus transportation available from selected middle and high schools.
Tech Adventure Camp is a one-week program for current K-5 students covering STEAM, culinary studies, health, trades, business and marketing. The one-week CTE Summer Academy gives students in grades 6-11 opportunities to explore career fields and develop related skills.
The Institute for the Arts offers two- and three-week programs for current students in grades 6-11, with nearly 90 classes in art, dance, music, theater, health and Physical Education 9. E-IFTA provides weekly dance, music, theater and visual-art classes for students in grades two through five.
The third annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt will begin in about three weeks. The free summer activity combines creative problem-solving with bicycle and pedestrian safety lessons. This year, the school with the most participants will receive a visit from Sue Doku.
FCPS also highlighted accessibility education specialist Mollie Kropp ahead of Global Accessibility Awareness Day on Thursday, May 21, recognizing her work to make educational materials and communications accessible.
The district featured a student review of Chantilly High School’s production of “As You Like It,” written by Robinson Secondary School student Gianna Pacheco. The review was created through the Cappies program, which trains high school theater and journalism students to critique productions at other schools.
Closures and final-day schedules
Schools and offices will close Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day. Students will not attend school Tuesday, May 26, because of a teacher workday. Schools and offices will close again Wednesday, May 27, for Eid al-Adha.
June 17 is the final day of school. High schools will operate from 8 to 10 a.m., while secondary schools will run from 8:10 to 10:10 a.m. Middle and elementary schools will follow two-hour early-release schedules.